The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a place where “Talent Meets Opportunity”. Many talented players have got a chance to showcase their talent in one of the biggest platforms. However, IPL is also one of the toughest leagues in the world as the competition is very high. Not everyone gets a chance to feature in the playing XI. It gets more challenging for the overseas players as teams in IPL can play a maximum of just 4 overseas players in their playing XI. This is one of the major reasons why many talented international players fail to get a game.
Over the years, there have been many foreign players who haven’t got a chance to feature in the playing XI of their respected teams for an entire season. Today we shall be taking a look at 5 such overseas players who might not get a chance to play in this edition of the Indian Premier League.
1) Josh Philippe
If there is one youngster from Australia who has managed to impress all the cricket pundits, then it’s Josh Philippe. The Aussie Wicketkeeper had a fantastic BBL and was even selected in Australia’s squad recently. However, it is highly unlikely that he would get a chance to feature in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) playing XI as RCB already have Aaron Finch, who looks all set to open the innings. They also have Parthiv Patel, who will mostly be their keeper this season. Hence Philippe might not get a game this season.
2) Chris Green
Chris Green is one of the few Aussie players who has been a consistent face in franchise cricket. He has been of the best all-rounders in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, it is very hard for him to get a game this season as he’ll be representing KKR in IPL 2020, a team consisting of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Even if one of them gets injured, KKR will give Banton a chance at the top, taking his talent into account. Hence Green might have to warm the bench for the entire season.
3) Tom Curran
Tom Curran is now a regular face in the English T20I side. He has been an excellent death bowler for England and mixes it up very well. He’s very handy with the bat too as he can hit the bowl a long way. Despite being one of the most exciting English all-rounders, Tom Curran might not get a game in the upcoming edition of the IPL. His current franchise, Rajasthan Royals (RR) already have Jofra Archer, who has been their best seamer for the past 2 seasons. They have the option of turning to Andrew Tye as well. Despite being an impactful player, it is highly unlikely that Curran gets a chance to play this time around.
4) Fabian Allen
Fabian Allen is one of the most talented all-rounders from West Indies currently. Despite the limited opportunities he has managed to impress one and all. However, he will be playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this time around, who already have Mohammad Nabi. You know how difficult it is for Allen to get a game when someone like Kane Williamson is struggling to get a spot in the SRH playing XI.
5) Hardus Viljoen
The pacer from South Africa represented the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) last season and is all set to play for them in this season as well. However, they have Sheldon Cottrell, someone for whom they invested much money. They will also be having the services of Chris Jordan, one of the best T20 bowlers of the current era. With the presence of these two international stars, it looks tough for Viljoen to get a game in IPL 2020. Besides, he had an economy rate of 9.5 in the IPL 2019.
